Communication Manager, P-4, Geneva, Switzerland, #87251

The purpose of the post is to lead the team providing communication & marketing direction and support to UNICEF’s private sector partnerships, including companies, multi stakeholder platforms and philanthropic foundations. The manager will oversee the team providing appropriate partnership visibility, messaging and branding for private sector engagement with corporate partners (Fundraising and non-financial engagement) and managing UNICEF's communication response around reputational risk issues linked to engaging with the corporate sector.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, Hope

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

In order to fully utilize the strength of the brand and maximize its potential, this position facilitates strategic brand building activities in the private sector context, streamlining coordination between PFP, the Division of Communication, National Committees, other headquarters divisions and regional offices. With the Chief, Communication and Marketing, the position provides strategic direction regarding external communication and brand positioning in private sector activities across the organization.

Specific responsibilities will include: 

1. Leads in the strengthening of brand management in PFP and National Committees and the development and provision of brand and marketing expertise. Oversees and leads the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the brand and marketing elements of the UNICEF Framework for External Communication and Brand Positioning for Private Sector Fundraising and Engagement.
2. Participates in the development and implementation of the global UNICEF communication and brand strategy, and ensures linkages with the UNICEF Framework for External Communication and Brand Positioning for Private Sector Fundraising and Engagement. Acts as focal point with DOC regarding corporate branding matters to ensure private sector needs and perspectives are taken into account. Ensures that National Committees align their communication, brand and marketing strategies (JSPs and ad hoc support) with the global communication strategy. Provides technical support and guidance to National Committees in their brand and marketing work.
3. Provides the Chief of Communication and Marketing with advice on Brand Management and Marketing Services, including the development of communication materials in support of fundraising and advocacy goals, and advice on sensitive issues. Develops and oversees the roll out of an annual marketing and communication plan for global events and other brand and marketing related activities in collaboration with DOC and Fundraising Services of PFP. Advises on the management of risk and reputation in relation to brand and marketing in private sector activities.
4. Oversees the measurement of the impact of National Committee communication activities on brand equity in their countries. Monitors and drives the alignment between brand equity and identity in National Committees by establishing and monitoring brand KPIs, and understanding drivers of trust, donation and non-financial engagement. In collaboration with the Market Knowledge Unit, oversees the development of the brand research plan and the execution and findings of research studies.
5. Leads the development of global advertising concepts and their execution. Manages the relationship with advertising agencies and related budgets.
6. Leads brand positioning capacity building activities and coordinates key annual knowledge sharing activities and events.
7. Oversees the work of the Brand Management and Marketing Services Unit. As a staff manager, sets clear direction by guiding the development of the section/team work plan in close co-operation with other PFP teams, clarifying roles and responsibilities within the team, and providing support and guidance to staff. Agrees clear and achievable work objectives for each direct report, monitors performance, and ensures appropriate development and training of staff.  Provides leadership to foster and maintain staff engagement and motivation as well as sound staff-management relations.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:

Advanced university degree in communication, marketing, brand management or equivalent. A first level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience:

A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible professional work experience in marketing and/or brand management at international level, some of which ideally in a global corporation. Proven track record in developing and implementing brand management strategies and marketing campaigns in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and across markets. Work experience in the UN system or international organizations is an asset.

Language requirements:

Excellent command of English is essential. Knowledge of one other UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this post are….

Core Values

•      Commitment
•      Diversity and inclusion
•      Integrity

Core competencies:

•      Drive for Results (Level II)
•      Communication (Level III)
•      Working with People (Level II)           

Functional Competencies:

•      Formulating Strategies and Concepts (Level III)
•      Leading and supervising (Level II)
•      Relating and Networking (Level II)
•      Persuading and Influencing (Level II)
•      Applying Technical Expertise (Level II)

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.